I deeply apologize for some typographical or grammatical errors in my story. I never proofread. But I'm glad many liked this story. A special thanks to those who reviewed especially Tsuray, , and who always give their opinions. This chapter is dedicated to you, . I tried my best to put in mushy stuffs as what you requested.

Disclaimer: If I owned Maid-sama I would have changed Misaki's name into my own so I'll be Usui's partner. Unfortunately, the manga/anime is owned by the mighty Hiro Fujiwara so I have to bear with it. Now, you know only the plot belongs to me.

Chapter Ten

Calmness surrounded the place as Takumi sat still on his office. The only noise that can be heard came from the pen situated on his right hand as he continued snapping it.

Click. Click. Click. Click.

His mind was too preoccupied to do anything else. Right after his 'small talk' with his Grandfather the night before, he became numb. He didn't know what to do or what to feel. Worst of all he was worried about 'her'. True that she's not his real girlfriend but somehow, over the past days that he's been with her, she made him feel something he long forgotten after his mother's passing away. This spark in his silly heart ignited once again. Call him mushy but he can't help it. It's what he felt.

Takumi quietly detached from his absent-minded state when his phone began ringing. Not in the mood, he rolled his chair slowly and picked up the receiver.

"Hello?"

"Sir Takumi, Satsuki-san is here to see you."

"Alright, let her in."

"Yes, sir."

He dropped the receiver back to place as soon as the door opened revealing his ever loyal associate.

"What brings you here, Satsuki-san?"

The lady gave her usual eye smile and walked towards the vacant chair by his desk. He in some way is comfortable being with Satsuki-san. She was able to stand up as the role of being her second mother to him. Seeing her visit lightened up his mood a little. Of course it's just a little since God knows only one person could manage to lighten up his mood to the extent that he could die due to pure bliss. Okay, that may be exaggerating it but you get his point already.

"It's not that important. Just a profile of our new boarder."

"Oh, we have a new one?"

"Yeah, actually she's moving in today. I'll be accompanying her at nine o'clock so I won't be long here."

"Her?"

"Yeah. She's a girl. Your new neighbor's a girl. By the way, what's the matter? You look down."

Takumi noticed he was frowning so he immediately gave Satsuki a slight smile to reassure her everything's fine which in truth is it's the exact opposite.

"You can't fool me, Takumi. Now spit it out."

"It's already quarter to nine, Satsuki-san."

He had to change the topic in order to avoid her. He knows that if this talk continues, he might just tell her everything. He doesn't want her to know about his 'infatuation' with a certain girl. Not just yet.

"You are one lucky boy. We'll continue this some other time."

"Yeah, yeah. Now don't let our boarder wait. She might change her mind."

"Aye aye!"

Takumi shook his head at Satsuki's actions. Sometimes he would even wonder whether she's really older than him because both their maturity doesn't fit their ages. He's more mature than her. Leaving the thought aside, he grabbed the paper Satsuki left. He might as well get to know his neighbor better. He scanned through every boring word written when excitement rushed to his senses upon encountering the name printed.

Ayuzawa Misaki.

Now, this is interesting.

Suddenly, all of the uneasiness he felt a while ago vanished in a snap. A smug smirk showed on his face as his mind went thinking of what's possible to happen in the future at Misaki's silly mistake for choosing Walker Inc.

This is going to be good. Bwahahaha!

Okay, he never imagined himself laughing evilly but he just can't avoid his anticipation and he can't wait to see the look on her face once she finds out they'll be living across on the same building. Just then, an idea just hatched in his brain.

"Hello, Satsuki-san…"

. . . . .

"Ooof! Mom you're killing me!" I complained as I was attacked by Mom for a bone-crushing hug. I got to admit that even when Mom's sickly she still had that power to suffocate me with her embrace.

"I can't help it. I'll miss my Misaki so much." She whined as she tightened her arms around me causing me to flinch in pain. Upon finally realizing that I was getting uncomfortable, Mom released me and held me by the shoulders. "You're growing up."

"No. I don't grow up anymore. I'm already past twenty-one."

"No, I mean you're maturing."

"I'm already mature enough to mature even more."

"Still denying eh?"

"I know where this is going and for the last time, I am not in love."

"Misaki's so cute when she denies," Mom commeneted, pinching my cheeks. If I only knew leaving would be this painful as in physically painful, I would've never thought about it.

"Ey em net deneying," I complained as I tried removing Mom's hands away from my face.

"Oh yes you are. I want to meet him soon."

I rubbed my cheeks before uttering my reply, "Whatever, Mom."

"Nee-chan."

Suzuna came holding the last box containing my things.

"Thanks, Suzuna," I greeted as I received the box and placed it beside the others.

"Hey, Suzuna, we're meeting your sister's boyfriend soon!"

"Really?!"

"Mom! Suzuna! Stop that!"

Mom came laughing at my reaction and not long Suzuna followed. I can't refrain myself from feeling delight just by seeing my family happy. Before I knew it, I also started laughing.

. . . . .

"Misaki!"

"Satsuki-san, hi."

I strode towards Satsuki who was waving madly by the building's entrance. Behind her were a bunch of men. They'll probably help carry her stuffs.

"Good morning, Misaki."

"Yeah, good morning to you too. So I'm at the tenth floor, right?"

"Actually, you were moved to the top floor."

"What?! No. That floor's way too expensive for me. I-"

"You'll still be paying the amount we agreed on."

"What? How come?"

"Uh-uh, less complaining more on unpacking. Now, let's go."

I wasn't really complaining. I was more of wondering how I got to the top floor.

We reached the twentieth floor which was the highest floor and what I saw where no other than two doors.

"Is there someone living in the other apartment?"

"Yep! Now, let's start discharging your boxes," Satsuki exclaimed and opened the door to my new home. What greeted me was a luxurious looking living room. The blue couch clearly looked expensive. There was a mahogany table in front of it and on the wall was a large plasma television. The floors are also carpeted but amazed me the most was the glass wall overlooking the heart of the city.

"Wow."

"It's nice, right?"

"It's great!"

"Glad you liked it. Oh, and by the way, you can paint the walls whatever color you like."

"Isn't it stated in the rules that painting is not allowed?"

"Well, you're permitted to do so. You're our special occupant," Satsuki said and gave me a wink.

"Special? Me?" I pointed my index fingers towards myself staring astounded at Satsuki who was smiling with her eyes.

"Yes, you. Now, don't you have any plans of arranging your stuffs?"

"Oh, right!"

"Do you need any help?"

"Uhh, no thanks. I can manage."

"So, I'll be leaving then."

"Sure."

Satsuki placed down the box she was holding and laid the set of keys by the table. "Here you go. This place is finally yours."

"Actually, I'm renting so I can't consider it mine," I explained to Satsuki who was walking towards the exit.

"Same thought. Bye!" She waved a hand before closing the door leaving me alone.

Well Misaki, what are you waiting for? Time to organize your things!

. . . . .

With my hands on my hips, I stared satisfied with my work. My room looked like a complete success. I can't even wait to go to sleep especially when the queen-sized canopy bed looked so enticing that it's like tempting me to crawl under the covers. The overall outcome of the room felt so soothing to my senses.

I finished unpacking and arranging everything in just four hours. It's already past one which made me think, I haven't had lunch yet. My stomach growled in perfect timing with my thoughts.

Wait, I'm hungry. I'm alone in an apartment. I don't know how to cook. Uh-oh!

"Crap I haven't thought about this! Damn, what am I going to do? Should I go home?" I muttered to myself as I headed to the living room and slumping myself towards the couch.

"I am such an idiot."

I buried my face with throw pillow and started hitting it at the same time kicking my feet. I looked like a kid whining over for a candy.

Ding dong.

"Eh?" I stopped my childishness and sat up with a confused look.

Ding dong.

"Alright, I'm coming."

Ding dong. Ding dong. Ding dong. Ding dong. Ding dong. Ding dong.

"I said I'm coming!" I yelled as I stomped my way towards the door and grumpily opened it. My jaw almost dropped to the ground.

"USUI?!"

He placed a finger under my chin and forced my hanging mouth to close. "Good day to you too, Misa-chan."

I snapped from my short stupor as I took in what's happening.

Wait, am I dreaming? Did I fall asleep while unpacking?

"Ouch! What did you do that for?" I complained as I rubbed my arm where Usui pinched.

"Maybe you thought you were dreaming."

"Oh." Suddenly, I felt uneasy around him. There's this awkward and tickling feeling in my stomach that I can't seem to fathom.

Is this hunger?

"So, what brings you here?"

"Aren't you going to let me in, Misa-chan?"

"Answer my damned question first!"

"Simple. I just like to welcome my new neighbor."

"N-neighbor?"

Again, my mouth fell open.

"Keep your mouth shut or I might just kiss you."

Upon hearing his words, I put on an angered look and hit him on his shoulders.

"Pervert," I said and went back inside with him following. We settled ourselves on the couch with me sitting a safe distance from him.

"I don't bite, you know. Now, come here. Don't be shy, Misa-chan. I am your boyfriend after all."

"S-shut up."

Even when I pretended to be mad, the blush never failed to show up on my face.

"How cute. Misa-chan's blushing," he teased as he inched closer to me.

"S-stay away. You're making me feel weird." I tried pushing him away since he's being way too near to my liking. The unusual feeling in my stomach was there again and my face was heating up madly. He being all well-built doesn't seem to budge at my efforts.

"I'm making you feel weird? In what way?" A smirk made it's way to his lips as he leaned his face even closer that I could already feel his warm breath.

"I-I don't know. Now, stop it. My stomach is turning."

"Eh? I made you feel butterflies in your tummy?"

"More like birds," I muttered under my breath as I turned my face to the side.

"So you like me that much that butterflies weren't even enough to describe the feeling."

"Who said anything about liking you?"

"Isn't that what you feel when you like someone? Butterflies in your stomach."

"W-what? That's nonsense," I waved a hand over my face and faked a smile.

Do I like him?...Nah! This is hunger. Just hunger.

"Actually that's a proven fact."

"Well whatever. I'm just hungry that's why my stomach feels weird. I haven't had lunch yet."

"You haven't eaten?" He leaned away and sat properly in front of me.

"Well yeah. That's just what I said."

"Why didn't you eat?"

Should I tell him?

I had a little war with myself as I was contemplating whether I should admit my idiocy for moving out without thinking that I couldn't cook. Well, this is all Mom's fault for prohibiting me from cooking. The only thing I'm allowed to do is reheat food with the microwave and boil water.

"Misaki, why didn't you eat?"

"I-uhh.."

Here goes nothing.

"I don't know how to cook."

I bowed down my head in embarrassment as I uttered those words. I was preparing myself for a whole lot of teasing when I heard his unexpected reply.

"You could've just said so."

"Eh?"

I tilted my head back up to face him and what met my gaze was his pair of emerald eyes filled with…concern? Am I hallucinating or is this alien worrying about me?

"Do you have food in your fridge?"

I shyly nodded. "Satsuki said there are some meat and other stuffs in there."

Why am I feeling conscious around him all of a sudden?

When I saw that look in his face, my heart almost raced out of my chest due to its intense beating.

"Wait there. I'll cook you something."

The only thing I did was nod. I was lost for words as of the moment. I need to clear things out. First, why am I feeling this way? Second, why was he concerned for me so suddenly? I was more of thinking that he'll tease me about my lack in cooking. And he never showed me that face before. It's like there was more behind that expression rather than concern. I can't seem to comprehend what it is though. Third, he knows how to cook?

With all due curiosity, my feet led me towards the kitchen. I leaned by the doorframe as I watched him do his thing. He seemed so professional.

"What are you cooking?" My question seemed to surprise him since I noticed him flinch a little. He turned to face me and gave me a smile-the smile that caused my heart to beat faster.

"Omirice."

"Oh."

"This will be done in a minute. Wait by the table. Let's eat together."

"Uhh, okay."

Misaki, now is not the time to be nervous. He's just Usui, the perverted alien you hate.

I approached the dining table and pulled out a chair for myself.

Stupid weird feelings.

I placed a hand under my chin as I stared blankly in space for a few seconds.

"Lunch is served, Misa-chan."

I snapped back to reality when I heard Usui's voice. I turned and saw him holding two plates of Omirice while walking towards me. He placed a plate in front of me and grabbed the seat opposite mine.

"Taste it. It's delicious."

I only managed to stare at him as I tried reading his thoughts. His face a while ago doesn't seem to leave my mind until I figure out what's behind it. I'm sure he's hiding something.

"Are you okay?"

I snapped from my reverie, blinked a few times and shook my head.

"I was just thinking of something-something important."

"Okay. Now, hurry up. Let's eat before the food gets cold," he said and handed me a fork.

"You also haven't eaten lunch?"

"I just got back from work."

"It's Sunday. How come you're still working?" I asked as I examined the food with my fork.

"I rarely have day offs."

"God that's tiring."

I shoved food into my mouth as I looked at him only to meet that face all over again. Somehow, it made me so ill at ease that I wanted to strangle him so he would tell me what's wrong. Something's definitely troubling him and I desperately want to know what.

"Yeah."

He masked it off with a fake façade.

"But as long as I get to see you, I regain all my energy back," he stated as he flashed me smile-a genuine one. How is that possible? A while ago he was disturbed by something and now he's completely…happy? Is he bipolar?

"Stop messing with me."

"It's true," he pouted.

"Fine. I'm not in the mood to argue with you," I replied. He smiled.

Right now, I have this feeling that I wanted to keep that smile on his face and that bubbly attitude for a lengthy period of time.

"So, how's the food?" he asked as I munched on his cooking delightfully.

"It's good," I answered holding my thumbs up. I saw him laugh at my actions and I can't deny that I loved the sensation of hearing him that way.

"Glad you liked it. Anyway, do you have plans for next week?"

I thought for a moment. "No."

"Then let's paint!"

"Huh?"

"Let's paint this apartment."

"I can't do that."

"Didn't Satsuki tell you I gave you permission to do whatever you like with this place?"

"Well she did-"

"That's settled then. Let's buy paint together so you can choose what color you like. It's all on me."

"I can't-"

"C'mon Misa-chan, don't be such a kill joy. Besides, this place looks dull with the white walls. A little color would give it more life, don't you think?"

"Y-yeah."

I lowered my head and concentrated on my food. There's this feeling in my stomach again and I am now sure it isn't because of hunger.

Perhaps it's a stomachache.

"…"

We ate in silence maybe because he noticed I was not in the mood to talk with him. That is because I'm currently having a serious conversation with myself about this alien feeling I just come against with. Once we finished our food, I volunteered to wash the dishes and instructed him to wait for me by the couch yet being his stubborn self, he stayed in the kitchen and stared at me as I worked. Even if y back was facing him, I could feel his eyes piercing through me.

What is wrong with him today?

After I was finished with the dishes, I wiped my wet hands with a dry cloth and walked over to him.

"Something is up with you. What is it?"

I can't take it any longer. I needed to know.

"You're too cute," he said in a teasing way causing me to narrow my eyes at him.

"Stop acting like there's nothing wrong. I know something's bothering you and as your girlfriend, I demand to know right now!"

He smirked and I just realized my mistake. Immediately I covered my mouth with both hands as I stood frozen on the spot.

"So, Misa-chan finally admitted that she was my girlfriend."

He walked over to me with that smirk still on his face. Closer and closer he got until he was towering before me. Noticing our proximity, I took a step back and he took a step forward. We kept doing that until my back hit the counter. I swallowed hard as he leaned in and placed his hands beside my body, completely caging me.

"As my girlfriend, you want to know what my problem is."

"N-no."

"You know what, my problem is…you."

"M-me?" I stared at him in disbelief. I felt a short pang in my chest at his words.

"Yes. You."

"O-okay."

I titled my face sideward. I don't want him to see my face-my disappointed face.

"Want to know why?"

"W-why?" I whispered.

"Look at me first," he said as he used a hand to guide my face so that I was facing him again. I averted my eyes from his gaze.

"I said look at me. I won't tell you if you don't do what I say."

Hesitantly, I obeyed his words and locked my eyes with his. We stared at each other for a few seconds since he tried reading mind and as I tried my hardest not to blush but failed miserably.

"Now, as I was saying. You were my problem because…"

"Because?" I asked, anticipating his answer on whether it's acceptable or not.

"Stop being so cute."

"I-"

I was completely cut off when his lips came crashing unto mine in mere milliseconds. Right then on, my mind went blank. My eyes became bigger that my sockets can't seem to hold them much longer. When my brain finally internalized what's happening, I felt his lips moving slowly against mine. It wasn't like the kiss we had at Walker Inc. or the kiss we had yesterday. This one was a whole lot different. There were emotions involved. He was kissing me as if he wanted to tell me something. I know I am not the reason he's troubled. He made that up.

"Misa…" he muttered in between the kiss. Slowly, I felt myself wanting to respond and before I even realized it, I was kissing him back with the same fervor he was giving off. Our lips moved in sync together. I never knew I was capable of doing this until now. Without warning, he bit my lower lips as if asking for entrance. Without second thoughts, I gave in to his request. I opened my mouth and felt his tongue going in, tasting every corner of my mouth. Our tongues kept brushing gracefully against each other through the kiss. Slowly, he snaked an arm behind my back and the other supported my head before pulling me closer to deepen the kiss. And without realizing what I'm doing I wrapped my arms around his neck also pulling him closer. It's as if our nearness wasn't enough for the kiss.

Once I felt myself running out of breath, we parted both panting rapidly. He rested his forehead unto mine and smiled.

"You do know I like you, right?"

Me: And that ends it. I'm tired. Hahaha. Sorry if it was kind of a cliffhanger but seriously, it's 3:40 AM here and I'm still typing. I don't know why but I kind of have this habit of typing chapters in the middle of the night. I'm a vampire hahahaha! Kidding aside, I feel like I have insomnia or something. I can't sleep or maybe I really am a vampire O.O

Misaki: You're weird, Author-san.

Me: I'll take that as a compliment.

Misaki: *laughs* Should I do it for you?

Me: Yes, please.

Misaki: Okay, dear readers, please don't forget to review and leave your comments about this chapter. Author-san worked hard on this update. Also, I would like to promote her upcoming story. Please watch out for it. *smiles*

Me: You seem happy. Was it because of the kiss?

Misaki: W-What?! No! Of course not. It's just because…uhmm…oh, would you look at the time. I'm already late for work. Bye! *scurries off somewhere*

Me: *smiles evilly* So, who knows how to cure insomnia?

: Tell me if you liked it. That was my definition of mushy hahaha. Sorry if it doesn't suit up to your taste